How to Paint Faux Paint Finishes Such as Sponging

Different tools create different faux techniques.

Faux finishing describes a range of decorative painting techniques used most often in house painting and decorating. Using paint and glaze, faux finishing imitates or duplicates such things as wood grain, leather, suede, tile, plaster clouds and granite. One technique that is good for beginners to work with is sponge painting. Sponging is easy to do and does not require a lot of tools.

Things You'll Need

• Paint tray with liner
• Paint roller
• Base paint
• Rubber gloves
• 3 or 4 natural sea sponges
• Bucket
• Top-coat paint
• Faux glaze
• Roller grid
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. 

   Faux-painted walls add interest.

   Prepare the walls for painting by cleaning and patching any nail holes. Select the paint colors you will use. It is a good idea to practice the sponging technique on a board before applying paint to the wall.

2. Paint all the walls with the base-color paint using the roller and paint tray.

3. In a large bucket, mix 1 part of the top coat or second color of paint with 1 to 4 parts of faux glaze. The more glaze to paint, the more transparent the top coat will be be.

4. Put on the rubber gloves. Wet the sea sponge in clean water and ring dry. Dip the damp sponge in the bucket of mixed glaze. Blot or wipe any excess glaze off on a roller grid and a paper towel, if necessary.

5. Starting in the center of the wall and working toward a corner, lightly pat the sponge on the wall, rotating your hand position each time you touch the wall.

6. Continue sponging toward the corners and edges of the wall, dipping the sponge as needed. Work in small areas, keeping a wet edge.

7. Using small pieces of sponge, apply glaze to the corners of the walls. Alternate the sponge shape and size to get a natural-looking corner. Continue around the room.

Tips & Warnings

• Occasionally step back from the wall to make sure the area you are working on is consistent.

• Choose paint colors that are similar in tone and intensity.

• Correct mistakes by sponging base coat back on over any smudges or flaws.

• Use a glossy, satin or semi-gloss paint for the top coat over a flat base paint.

References

• Painting and Decorating Concourse: Sponge Painting
• How to Faux Finish: Sponge Painting